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*This research was funded by the Drug Safety and Effectiveness Network (DSEN) and conducted by the following investigators: Tricco AC, Soobiah C, Berliner S, Ho J, Ng C, Ashoor H, Straus SE. The statements made herein are those of the stated authors, who are independent researchers.

What is the current situation of cognitive enhancers?

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by memory and cognitive deficits, and increases with age. Between 3% and 17% of MCI cases progress to dementia, a serious public health burden with over 4.6 million new cases a year. Cognitive enhancers, used to treat dementia, are a possible strategy to prevent the progression of MCI, but their efficacy in MCI patients is unclear.

What was the aim of the study?

This study examines the efficacy and safety of cognitive enhancers for patients with MCI.

How was the study conducted?

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted; twoindependent reviewers completed the screening, data abstraction and risk of bias appraisal.

No statistically significant differences were found between cognitiveenhancers and placebo across cognition, function, and mortality outcomes.

Patients taking cognitive enhancers experienced significantly more nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and headaches compared to those on placebo. There were no differences in major adverse events between those taking cognitive enhancers and placebo.